Larry Eugene Ridgway was born August 30, 1945 to Johnnie and Jenneva Ridgway. Larry attended high school in Calhoun, Mo, graduating in 1963. He later married his high school sweetheart and soulmate, Linda Redding Ridgway, on June, 12, 1964; they remained married until his passing. Their marriage produced two children, Bret Ridgway and Krista Lutjen, of whom Larry was very proud of.
Larry lived a very full and busy life. He enjoyed his work life, working for White Sheet Metal Roofing as a union roofer until 1984. He then became a union crane operator (Local 101) in Kansas City, Ks, for Harrington Roofing Company, where he retired in 2007. He worked at many construction sites in the Kansas City area, all the while wearing his "cowboy hat" hard hat and making several close friends along the way. Although he grew up in a small town, Larry could confidently tell you how to get anywhere in and around Kansas City, and was always proud to point out the projects that he worked on as he passed by.
Larry also enjoyed his farm life. He grew up on a farm working with his dad and mom, and later continued farming with his son, Bret, and grandsons, Cole, Austin and Chet. He loved being out on a tractor, working fields and bailing hay. Larry loved his cattle work as well. In 1999, Larry went into a cattle partnership with Henry Adkins, of Henry Adkins Printing. Larry and Henry were great friends and met every Sunday to discuss cows and business. When Larry was not working or tending to his farm, he was competing in horse shows. He and his family participated in shows all over the state of Missouri, alongside longtime friend Russel Hudson, winning the State Fair numerous times, as well as The American Royal. Larry enjoyed taking his family to Cheyenne Frontier Days in Wyoming, where he loved watching the Chuck Wagon races and visiting the horse sale. In his down time, Larry also enjoyed playing card games with his friends and family - which usually ended up being a learning experience for everyone else.
Larry was known as a hardworking and humble man with hundreds of friends. He was a man of faith and would have done anything asked of him, regardless of personal gain and without complaint. He took great pride in everything that he did, whether it be working, farming, or spending time with his wife, kids, and grandkids. He lived a very fulfilled and happy life and will be greatly missed by all.
Larry is survived by his 95 year-old mother, Jenneva; the love of his life and wife of 55 years, Linda; his son, Bret Ridgway (Cathy Ridgway); his daughter, Krista Lutjen (Cody Lutjen); 6 grandchildren; Cole Ridgway (Carolina Gahn); Austin Ridgway (Kayla Ridgway); Chet Ridgway (Katerina Schroeder); Cody Escalante; Courtney Rotramel (Jessica Symmonds); Shaylee Lutjen (Spencer Ferrebee); his nephew, Kevin Redding and family; his niece, Ann Bilbruk and family; his sister-in-law, Mildred Redding; his great friends, Russel Hudson and Judy; Jessica Hostle and family; and lastly his beloved dog, Jack Russell Eugene Ridgway, whom he grew to love more than he ever thought he would.
Larry is preceded in death by his father, Johnnie Ridgway; brother-in-law, Kenny Redding; sister-in-law, Doris Bonner; nephews, Larry Keith Chastain and Cody Bennefeld; and foster son, Daryl Fallin.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, Clinton, MO.
